The Supreme Court Registrar has declined constitutional case filed by lawyer and former Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain seeking to invalidate the government’s agreement with UAE-based developer Eagle Hills for a waterfront and marina project in Rasmalé.
The Supreme Court Registrar has declined constitutional case filed by lawyer and former Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain seeking to invalidate the government’s agreement with UAE-based developer Eagle Hills for a waterfront and marina project in Rasmalé.
The case challenges the proposed allocation of approximately 500 hectares of land to Eagle Hills.
The Registrar determined that the matter did not fall within the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction, meaning the categories of cases that can be brought directly before the court.
The decision was procedural and did not determine whether the agreement violates the Constitution.
Under Section 11 of the Judicature Act, the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction covers certain constitutional matters, including those that could create a constitutional void, disputes between state powers or institutions over constitutional interpretation, and constitutional issues concerning the national public interest.
Ali Hussain can seek a review of the Registrar’s decision by the Supreme Court’s judges and he has 14 days to request a review and has announced his intention to challenge the decision.
In his filing, Ali Hussain argued that the agreement contravenes Articles 250 and 251 of the Constitution.
He questioned the legal basis for granting a foreign company a 99-year lease over state land, arguing that the proposed arrangement lacks the necessary statutory framework.
He also challenged provisions allowing Eagle Hills to establish third-party rights over the property.
According to his case, successive leasehold arrangements could enable foreign parties to retain rights over the land indefinitely.
He requested an interim injunction to halt implementation of the agreement pending a final ruling.
The government and Eagle Hills signed the commercial terms agreement for the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project on September 21, 2026.
The government describes the proposed development as an envisioned US$20 billion investment comprising residential properties, hotels and resorts, a marina, and commercial facilities.
The project has attracted criticism over its land arrangements, renewable lease terms and the lack of disclosure of the full agreement.
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